First ootd in New Zealand.
Tip: update a simple sundress by layering a top over or underneath. If it’s a simple outfit, remember to accessorise.
Pink ‘bow’ dress – Miss Selfridge
Stripey vest top – Miss Selfridge
White Chucks -Converse
Denim Shirt – Topshop
Assorted bracelets – from travelling
Assorted rings – from travelling
Earrings – Topshop
Sunglasses – Accessorize
Since I’ve been being treated to weather like this…
… I have realised with my love for tanning in the sun and my hatred of doing laundry means I cannot suffice with merely two bikinis. So, alongside finding myself new swimwear, I thought I’d share my favourites with everyone. Whether you’re already planning a summer getaway or are simply dreaming of the beach, check these pocket-friendly choices 🙂
1. Tropical High Waist Bikini – Topshop – £34
I love fruit in fashion. I have a lemon print dress, fruit stud earrings, a cherry print shirt and strawberry print converses. This bikini would be the perfect addition. The high waisted bottoms makes it even more flattering too.
2. Green Leaves Print Bikini – Primark – £7
I may be biased as this is one of my two bikinis, but it is such a bargain from good old Primarni! It fits really well and the multi-strap allows you to choose your tan line 😉 Cheap but just as stylish. Primark is always good for bikinis I find; not long-lasting, but then again, who doesn’t change their bikini for each holiday?!
3. Kelly Brook White Gathered Bikini – New Look – £16.99 & £10.99 (top and bottoms separate)
Simplicity in colour and design can be the best. This bikini is guaranteed to enhance or flatter your cleavage (Kelly Brook’s the designer, hello?) and white looks incredible with a tan. No excuses.
4. Peach Frill Front Cut Out Swimsuit – ASOS – £21
Bikinis are all the rage and it is often forgotten that swimsuits can be equally, if not more so, sexy. If you can accept the inconvenient and unusual tan lines, cut-out swimming costumes are definitely the way to go and ensure that slightly more self-conscious girls can still look gorgeous.
5. Flamingo Print Bikini – Miss Selfridge – £26
I couldn’t resist the print on this bikini. Decent price for Miss Selfridge and the flamingos are just too cute. The standard triangle-shape bikini never fails either.
Enjoy!
Birdy wore this cute co-ordinates outfit to the Brit Awards Nominations party last month. Jacquard. Metallic. Co-ordinates. This girl knows her stuff; nailing three trends in one! Now, I just knew I had seen this outfit on the high street and lo and behold, look-ey what I found! Hiding away in Miss Selfridge‘s sale, this insanely cool outfit can be yours (if you’re quick!) for just £30 for the both of them.
If you’re more Sporty Spice than Posh, move on and up from JD, as Marc Jacobs and Christopher Kane have their new luxe collections waiting for you. Look out for icy pastels, metallics and silk bomber jackets. To be a real Tommy girl, expect to see use of neoprene present in many designs, as this appears to be the fabric of the season, giving athletic wear a stylish twist. And let’s not forget the people’s designer; Henry Holland. Become THAT cool, confident and savvy Henry Holland girl in your mixed prints and patterned bombers. Glamour just got made understated and easy. Yeah, a pair of skinnies pull everything in and make our butts look good, but fashion’s give us the ‘OK!’ to chill out in jogger bottoms. Trainers have the thumbs up!
Blue paisley harem trousers: £32 – River Island, Pink high-collared crop top: £2.49 – Missguided, Gold cut-out bib necklace: £7.99 – New Look, White metal sandal heels: £50 – River Island
KARLIS Boucle neon yellow top: £119 – Ted Baker, JULEEN Boucle neon yellow skirt: £109 – Ted Baker, Gold metal cuff: Topshop – £14.50, Black hidden wedge heel high top trainers: £160 – Kurt Geiger
Black pleated asymmetric skirt: £35 – Urban Outfitters, Chicago 33 crop vest top: £9.99 – Missguided, White sole lace up black canvas boots: £45 – Urban Outfitters, 2 gold chain necklaces (layered together): £10 and £14 – Miss Selfridge
OR
Black pleated asymmetric skirt: £35 – Urban Outfitters, Bright green baggy tee: £32 – Topshop, Grey and orange perspex heels: £42.99 – Missguided, 2 gold chain necklaces (layered together): £10 and £14 – Miss Selfridge
New year was off to a kick start with a beautiful workload of essays; just finished the first one so going to blog a bit before I have to face the reality of the next two.. 😦
As excited as I am for my insane trip to New Zealand, I am sad to be missing my cousin’s wedding. Family, food, fun and fashion. As depressing as it sounds, I haven’t been to a wedding since I was a little kid, so I was really up for the festivity of it all…and of course who wouldn’t appreciate having an excuse to buy another dress! Sigh.
In a desperate attempt to not acknowledge the fact I won’t be there on the special day, I have searched and selected my favourite wedding-guest dresses. For those of you are (sob) lucky enough to be going to a wedding, take note!
Starting off with this ivory lace dress from F + F Tesco-it’s only £15 and it’s absolutely gorgeous! The belt will nip you in at the waist and the length is perfect. Pair with nude courts or grunge it up with studded heels. Either way, this is a keeper.
The supermarkets really do have fashion sorted! This adorable blush pink sequin dress from George at Asda will ensure you sparkle come the wedding day. At £25 for this beauty, it really is Asda price 😉 Simple heels and delicate jewellery to keep this dress cute.
If block colour is your thing, then you need this stunning turquoise blue pencil dress from Oasis. Already reduced from £65 to £30, sales are every woman’s godsend as it is now only £18. Forget the wedding; buy it anyway! The lace back of this add sexiness and match with red lippy and nude heels for a luxe look.
Call it wine, call it oxblood, what counts is that it is super cute. Slightly more expensive at £50, but Warehouse have nailed it with this mesh embroidered skater skirt dress. An updo would look so awesome with this dress. Keep it classic with black heels.
What better time to wear floral than at a wedding? At £50, you’re sure to look a vision in this Mango frock. Smokey eyes and you’re good to go.
Vamp up this sexy bodycon from River Island dress with matching purple heels and lipstick. At only £25 it’s an absolute bargain and will serve you will after the wedding too!
High neck? Check. Jacquard? Check. Metallic? Check. Everything about this Miss Selfridge dress screams ‘buy me!’ There’s a futuristic style to this dress that makes it a kooky choice for a wedding guest dress but I love it. It’s in the sale too, so at £35, I think everyone else will love it too!
Sequins and lace? My dream dress. This lush find from Zara is only £39.99 and has a pretty sequin design followed by a lace skirt. Coloured heels are a must for this dress.
Now only £80, this stunning dress from Ted Baker is the ultimate girly dress. The drop waist is particularly flattering, adding length to your body and the jacquard ‘Great Gatsby’ design print shimmers in sparkle. Wear with a smile, that is all.
Miss Selfridge just have the most beautiful, delicate, vintage-esque, adorable clothing. This dress is no exception and is only £25 in the sale! Accessories wise: small bows, diamante (or crystal/diamond if you can ;)) etc.
This is my dress. Red, loud, it’s brilliant. Only £15.99 in the sale from Zara. Contrast the texture of lace and appliquè with patent heels.
A lot more expensive but so so so pretty! Karen Millen have designed the ultimate gorgeous 50s style prom dress. It is £160 but if it’s a really special wedding… A flower in your hair, red lipstick and matching heels or wedges.
Zara are on form for wedding guest outfits. Stand out from the crowd in this teal jumpsuit for £59.99. Wear nude heels to stay classic or bright purple ones to be eclectic. Wear a statement necklace and chunky bracelets and a man’s watch. Sorted.
I’ve heard from quite a few people that they haven’t found much in the current sale so here I am to sift out the best bargains and bring them to your attention!
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Glamorous: Black PU Paperbag Waist Shorts: £10
-Glamorous have at least half of their sale at £10 so it really is worth checking it out and with 20% discount for students (even on top of sale price!) it would just be rude not to! Pair these shorts with a fitted shirt and statement necklace or casual vest top and heels for an ultra luxe look.
Urban Outfitters: ‘Pins and Needles’ Velvet Floral Crop Top and Hotpants: £10 each
-I am really loving making separates at the moment and the obvious benefit is that you get three outfit options for £20. Normally I prefer either the top of the shorts to be a little less tight, especially with a curvy figure, so I basically am imploring my skinny minny or more body-confident friends to buy this adorable little set. Black tights and creepers and you’re good to go!
Dahlia: Melissa Eyelet White Dress: £25
-For those of you who don’t know, Dahlia is a small fashion boutique on Carnaby Street in London, founded by two sisters who capture quirkiness and delicacy in their designs. I personally find that finding the right white dress is a mission but I instantly fell in love with this one. Don a pair of tan brogues and this cropped denim jacket!
Dahlia: Valencia Oversized Cropped Denim Shirt: £20
Whistles: Alison Red Mesh Insert Dress: £40
-Whistles have up to 70% off in the sale so if you enjoy the finer things in life, head to the website now. They have a good selection of cigarette trousers and cashmere cowl-neck jumpers. I particularly like this fitted fire-red shift dress as it oozes chic and would shape any body type beautifully. A perfect ‘office to drinks’dress; nude or black courts for the day and fierce jewellery and shoe boots for the evening.
Ted Baker: Heidiy Water Bottle Print Jeans: £55
-Considering Topshop’s jeans are £40, £55 doesn’t seem too pricey, especially when it’s Ted Baker! These jeans have such an interesting and unique print/pattern and are perfect for welcoming SS’14. Grunge up with a cosy knit and boots until this miserable weather finally decides to leave us and crack out a chiffon white shirt and nude heels or flats when the sunshine comes. Ted Baker’s AW’13 is all between 30% and 50% reduced so if you had your eye on something earlier this year; now’s the time.
ASOS: Astronomy Studded Leather Ankle Boots: £32.50
-I love studs and buckles and these boots remind me of the Alvin boots Topshop had last year that sold out quickly. The detail on this boot and the stacked heel make them versatile for a casual outfit in the day or with a cute dress in a bar.
River Island: Blue Mixed Print Scuba Jacket: £25
-This jacket is insane. I love the oriental feel and brightness of the colours. River Island previously had a pair of harem pants in this exact pattern which I adored too. A pair of jeans will be elevated immediately by the bold look of this blazer and it can also be a fun way to do smart.
Miss Selfridge: Cross and Diamond Chain: £15
-Statement necklaces are notoriously expensive but are excellent for transforming an overworn top or elevating a plain one. Miss Selfridge have this gorgeous one which used to be £50 so I would snap it up quickly at this price. I love the vintage feel and delicate but grunge aspect of Miss Selfridge’s clothes and accessories and this necklace is no exception. Wear it with a high-low skirt, military boots, layered vests and a leather jacket in the day or use it to create a detailed difference over a plain top or dress for a striking evening look.
Enjoy sale shopping xx
I have always loved Johnny Loves Rosie but I won’t lie, it isn’t the cheapest place ever. Saying that, whatever I have bought from there is made with such good quality, that it lasts. But now they have a FLASH SALE on! Yes, that’s right. Everything (apart from sale items) is 50% off until Sunday! Enter ‘Flash50’ at the checkout and watch the guilt wash away as you make your purchase(s).
I personally wear my bows, that I bought years ago, all the time.
My large red one:
My cherry-print one:
I love adding something new and different to my look and when you just fancy whisking all of your hair up into a bun, bows are the perfect way to add a little life.
I got both of my bow hairbands in the sale, so together they cost be around £12. All the more reason to jump on this flash sale, Johnny Loves Rosie have on at the moment and snap up your favourite pieces that you never thought you would have. The quality is better than that of Topshop or Miss Selfridge, guaranteed, so take advantage of getting such well-made items for so little.
My favourites and additions to my shopping basket right now are:
Oversized Black Bow Hair Clip-£12 £6
Faced Bead Bow Clip-£18 £9
Silver and Black Embellished Bib Necklace-£35 £17.50
Silver Sparkle Pegasus Ring-£12 £6
Kissing Elephants Cuff-£22 £11 << MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE!
Go have a browse for yourselves and get yourself a quality bargain!
Elegant, sophisticated and chic; it is quite obvious why almost every girl idolises the late Audrey Hepburn. Even those who are not big fans of her cannot deny how stylish and iconic the woman was. The world fell in love with her from the moment she graced our screens in Sabrina, Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey was flawless and fabulous, with such iconic style and a beautiful face. In celebration of her, I have collected various Audrey-style pieces from the high street, for those who loved her and her stylish outfit choices and would like to channel her look themselves. My favourite piece is the Ted Baker ‘Belloh’ dress; it is slightly more pricey than what you would have in mind to spend on a dress, but it is a gorgeous and classic dress.
Ted Baker: £145
River Island-£25
Topshop: £18
Missguided: £21.99
Asos: £63.50
Zara: £25.99
Miss Selfridge: £27.30
Winter drawing near and the fact that I simply live in England means I need to invest in a new coat. My old staple one was a charcoal grey military coat from River Island and did me a good service for 4-5 years and as much as I adore my faux fur coat (also River Island), I need a practical everyday investment.
Here are my top picks from the high street; I believe in spending a decent amount of money so that you will get stylish, reliable and comfortable use out of your coat, but not so much that my new coat will be all I buy this winter. Wanting to steer away from military and faux fur coats, my beloved Topshop and River Island proved little use to me, but I found plenty of gorgeous picks elsewhere. In no particular order:
Drumroll…
1) First up, is Boohoo’s beautiful tobacco coloured belted cape, which is at a stylish save of £25. Whether you need a new coat or not, I would definitely purchase this absolute steal, as it will add chic class to any outfit.
2) Another beauty is this deep navy blue duffle coat with a fur collar to die for. I have always thought that duffle coats have an aura of adorable style to them and they definitely keep you oh so cosy! This particular one from Urban Outfitters has my mind drifting to a snowy day; the colours would look gorgeous against the crisp white snow. At £125, it’s a good deal more expensive than the previous Boohoo cape, but it would be money wisely spent.
3) My next choice is perhaps better suited for a rainy day, rather than a bitter cold one, but it is undeniable that every girl needs a stylish mac in her wardrobe. I have had my eye on this burgandy-wine coloured mac with pu sleeves for a while now and with a bit of luck, it has just been reduced from £89 to £50. Bargain. The colours are definitely Autumn 2013 and the pleated bottom and bow at the waist are just too cute.
4) I was really intrigued by this khaki textured parka coat, as the majority of khaki coats have the standard fur collar and hood. I love the unique texture and design of this coat and of course the colour is absolutely lush. The zips had a biker feel to the coat, but the relaxed structure of it keeps it from being too military-esque. Again, at £90 it may seem like a lot to pay, but for a good-quality coat, that is a decent price.
5) Zara are on point with their oversized trench boyfriend coat. This grey woolen wraparound lovely gives the aura of ‘working girl’ and has an androgynous feel to it. It looks sturdy and cosy and fashionable, which is all any girl wants out of a coat. From past experience, Zara’s coats last you a long time and never go out of style. It is priced at £89.99, so it is not extortionate and will definitely keep you warm this winter.
6) As a lover of tartan and bold, eclectic patterns, this Miss Selfridge biker coat was never going to slip past me. Slightly cheaper than the majority of the above, it is £79 and is perfect for those girls who live in their leather jackets. It is a great transition from jacket to coat, as the length and thickness will certainly protect you from the winter’s winds but it still resembles a jacket.
Of course there are many more stunning coats and jackets out there, but those are my ‘Top 6’. I was originally only going to do a ‘Top 5’ but I could not have that Miss Selfridge tartan biker coat miss the list!
The most important things to remember when buying a coat:
1) Don’t worry about sizing. The cold weather means you will most definitely be wearing a thick jumper underneath your coat, therefore there is no point trying on a coat in a shop with only a vest top on underneath and deeming it to be the right size. Coats are meant to be bigger than your usual dress size!
2) For most people, this will be your only coat. If you wish to spend a lot of money on it, it will be your only outerwear investment, so there is no point purchasing a design that you know you will only wear a few times. If you hate clashing prints and colours, stick to black or other neutral colours and if you worry about your body shape, the structured military coat tends to nip people in in the right places.
3) Read the fine print. If you’re someone who thrives on high-quality materials, then you do not want to be spending more than necessary to only find out that your coat is not completely cashmere, but only has a small percentage.
Enjoy!
mymode101 